Senior Director of Development and Marketing

Senior Director of Development & Marketing

Reports To: Executive Director
Direct Reports: Development Director, Marketing & Creative Manager

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Senior Director of Development & Marketing leads and advances fundraising and marketing efforts at the Acadiana Center for the Arts.

This role provides strategic direction, operational leadership, and hands-on execution across all fundraising and marketing activities, leading a four-person team and working closely with the Executive Director and Board of Directors.

This is a builder’s role. The Senior Director will implement best practices across donor pipeline management, marketing strategy, prospect research, communications, and reporting.

The ideal candidate is energized by building systems, thrives in a collaborative culture, and brings experience in relationship-based fundraising.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Fundraising Strategy & Campaign Leadership

Success Statement: AcA grows its Annual Fund while advancing the Let Culture Lead campaign and expanding long-term fundraising strategy.

Performance Standards

• Develop and execute comprehensive contributed and earned revenue strategies with the Executive Director.

• Lead the marketing and development team to meet or exceed annual revenue goals.

• Manage a diversified portfolio including individual donors, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, and foundation grants.

• Lead strategy and daily management of the $18M Let Culture Lead campaign, including the $10M Louisiana Music Museum campaign and stewardship of the Vision for Education Campaign ($1.5M).

2. Donor Engagement & Stewardship

Success Statement: Donors deepen their engagement through strong relationships and meaningful stewardship.

Performance Standards

• Cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects.

• Guide the development team in managing donor portfolios with clear goals and accountability.

• Maintain a strong prospect pipeline identifying major gift and mid-level donor opportunities.

• Ensure donor stewardship reflects AcA’s culture of hospitality and authentic relationship-building.

• Oversee donor communications across the full giving spectrum.

3. Marketing Strategy & Institutional Communications

Success Statement: AcA communicates its mission and impact clearly, strengthening reputation, audience growth, and donor engagement.

Performance Standards

• Serve with the Executive Director as a public spokesperson when needed.

• Provide strategic oversight of marketing and public relations.

• Guide marketing campaigns for performances, exhibitions, arts education, and institutional initiatives.

• Oversee brand voice and messaging consistency.

• Ensure marketing strategies support both audience growth and contributed revenue.

• Review major communications including email, social media, and campaign materials.

4. Infrastructure & CRM Implementation

Success Statement: AcA operates with professional marketing and development systems that support efficiency and data-driven decision making.

Performance Standards

• Lead modernization of AcA’s CRM system in partnership with the Deputy Director.

• Maintain best practices for donor tracking, segmentation, and stewardship processes.

• Build reporting tools that provide leadership and the board with clear visibility into fundraising performance and pipeline health.

• Implement tools and workflows that increase efficiency and reduce administrative burden.

• Work closely with the finance team to ensure accurate revenue tracking and forecasting.

5. Team Leadership & Department Culture

Success Statement: The development and marketing teams operate with clear expectations, accountability, and shared ownership of results.

Performance Standards

• Supervise the Development Director and Marketing & Creative Manager and oversee all department staff.

• Set clear goals and hold team members accountable.

• Build a culture of collaboration, high standards, and continuous learning.

• Reinforce a donor-centered approach across the department.

• Foster strong collaboration with program staff, finance, and leadership.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• 8+ years of fundraising experience with success in major gifts and campaign leadership.

• Proven record managing major gift portfolios and closing six-figure gifts.

• Experience implementing or managing CRM systems and development operations.

• Experience leading teams with a results-driven management style.

• Strong knowledge of development best practices including prospect research, stewardship, and moves management.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Commitment to AcA’s mission to enrich the Acadiana community through the arts.

Preferred

• Experience in the arts and culture nonprofit sector.

• Familiarity with the Acadiana philanthropic community.

• Experience with integrated marketing and development strategies.

• CFRE or equivalent credential.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: $80,000 annually

Benefits include

• 80% employer-paid health insurance

• 100% employer-paid dental and vision

• SIMPLE IRA with 3% employer match

• Complimentary AcA Insiders Membership with NARM access

• Free admission for you and a guest to AcA events when available

• Work Environment: Collaborative, fast-paced, mission-driven nonprofit